Dennis Rodman says North Korea visit led to Otto Warmbier’s release

Dennis Rodman's visit to North Korea was the reason American college student Otto Warmbier was released, his agent said on Good Morning America Friday.

"I know being there had something to do with it," Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, told co-anchor Michael Strahan.

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Volo explained that securing Warmbier's release was always a part of the former basketball star's agenda in visiting the reclusive nation.

"When I was organizing the trip, and I meet with the delegates here, I addressed Otto Warmbier and I said to them we would need some type of good faith if we are ever going to do any type of future sports relations," Volo said.

Warmbier was medically evacuated from prison and returned to the U.S. on the same day that Rodman arrived in North Korea.

The University of Virginia student was detained for nearly 17 months after his arrest, allegedly for stealing a propaganda poster while touring the reclusive nation.

North Korea has denied torturing Warmbier, but his unstable condition upon his return, and subsequent death, suggest otherwise.

Despite the retired NBA standout's claims, a Department of State spokesperson said that Rodman's visit was unrelated to Warmbier's release.

"I asked on behalf of Dennis for his release three times," Volo told co-anchor Michael Strahan.

Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea the day American college student Otto Warmbier was released. (Kim Kwang Hyon/AP)

"They said they understood, that was all that was said in that meeting," Volo said.

"There's no doubt in my mind that these trips, and me asking on his behalf, had a lot to do with it."

Rodman's visit "had nothing to do with Otto. It's a diversion," Warmbier's father previously said.

The Hall of Fame forward said he was unaware of Warmbier's deteriorating condition.

"I didn't know he was sick," he said.

He also defended his friendship with North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un.

"He's a friend of mine, great. I don't look at the political side about him," Rodman said. "I am not into all that."

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"I was just so happy to see the kid released ... we jumped up and down."

Warmbier was arrested for allegedly trying to steal a propaganda poster while touring North Korea. (KCNA/AFP/Getty Images)

Rodman said he didn't meet with Jong-un during the visit, but has in past visits tried to establish a sports partnership between North Korea and the U.S.

"I am just trying to reach out for sports and see if I can bring sports to North Korea and North Korea come here," Rodman said.

Rodman touted changes in North Korea including its modernization. "People are so happy now because it is more like it's civilized again, " he said.